Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 94)

A poolside cabana in a home's backyard with a red patio couch and wooden architecture.
Deck, Patio & Porch

What Is a Cabana, Anyway?

From humble necessity to modern-day amenity, learn whether a cabana is right for your outdoor space.

Generator is used next to camping car.
Energy & Power

What Is an Inverter Generator? These Are the Facts

Inverter generators offer new levels of convenience and economy but is it all good news? We separate the facts from some common misconceptions.

A white-and-black sits in a custom catio built into the window of a modern home or apartment building.
Building & Installing

10 Catio Plans That Are Purrfect for Indoor Cats

Give your cat a taste of the outdoors with one of these ten catio plans—all of which cost $10 or less.

PVC pipe and the materials needed to prepare and paint the piping.
Painting & Finishing

How to Paint PVC Pipe

PVC piping can be used for all sorts of DIY projects, but who says you have to keep the pipes white? When you learn how to paint PVC pipe, your design options multiply.

how to pressure wash a deck
DIY

How to Pressure Wash a Deck for Annual Maintenance

Renew the appearance of your deck with the power of a pressure washer and the right cleaner.

A home generator outside being repaired by someone
Generators

All You Need to Know About Emergency Generators

Prepare for unexpected electrical outages with an emergency gas-powered backup generator.

Woman holding a power tool remodeling a bathroom
Buying

Live In or Move Out: The Remodeling Dilemma

You’re about to sign the contract for a major home renovation. When the construction crew arrives, is it time to go? Experts and homeowners weigh the pros and cons of staying put or moving out.

People signing a contract on a table next to two small wooden house models
Building & Installing

Contracting the Contractors

Follow this advice to learn what's integral when producing a conclusive contract.

A home theater with a large L-shaped sofa and red recliners
Interior

Planning Guide: Home Theater

Design a blockbuster theater room for convenient, casual, cinema-style entertainment at home.

Someone wearing rubber gloves holding cleaning spray bottles and cloths
Cleaning

The Essential Guide to Spring Home Improvement

Whatever household features you need to refresh, repair, or replace this season, one company can help you get the job done efficiently and affordably!

A terracotta pot placed over candles to use as a heater
Easy DIY Projects

Genius! Cozy Up Without a Space Heater

Stow away that energy-wasting space heater! Instead, warm drafty rooms with this earthenware contraption for the bargain price of four cents an hour.

Two men installing floor insulation for soundproofing
Insulation

Soundproof Your Floors

Person using remote for one of the Best Energy Efficient Air Conditioners
Reviews

The Best Energy-Efficient Air Conditioners

Keep your home cool and comfortable—and avoid the shock of a high utility bill.

A half-constructed kitchen with an island
Kitchen Design

How To: Build a Kitchen Island

Maximize any kitchen space—cramped or capacious—by building a custom kitchen island to fit all of your needs.

A puppy playing in a sandbox surrounded with toys
Outdoor Living

How To: Make a Sandbox

Few summer DIY projects are as easy to complete—or provide as much fun—as a backyard sandbox.

Mean using a long pole to clean the windows outside a house
Cleaning & Organizing

Going Green and Keeping Clean: Outdoor Edition

If you think environmentally-friendly products aren't strong enough to clean the grime off your house then think again—green cleaning is tough on dirt and soft on Mother Earth.

An outdoor wood deck looking out across the treetops
Deck, Patio & Porch

Planning Guide: Wood Decks

When it comes to wood decks, here's everything you need to know about planning, materials, and maintenance.

Someone using a roller to paint an exterior wall blue
Painting & Finishing

Exterior Paint 101

Painting the exterior of your home is a big undertaking: you'll need the right type of paint, quality tools and few tips to get the job done.

A basement filled with furniture and bikes flooded with water
Mold & Mildew

How To: Dry a Wet Basement

Protect your possessions and home from mold, rot, and insects.

White kitchen with marble effect laminate countertop
Reviews

Buyer’s Guide: Laminate Countertops

If you're shopping around for products to use in a budget kitchen renovation, consider buying laminate countertops, now available in more style options than ever before.